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It's a New Dawn, It's a New Day, It's a New Life...

Happy new year all! I hope you all ushered in the new year in style. Now that you've all slept off the hard partying/ recovered from your hangovers, I wonder if you have thought about the things you want for yourself this year. I'm not just talking about the usual resolutions that speak of losing weight or quitting smoking, but I'm getting at the personal goals that will contribute towards your self development.

I guess I feel so strongly that way because I feel I lost myself somewhere in 2012. (You might have guessed with the lack of blog posts!) I spent last year studying my masters, and I guess by immersing myself in my work, I forgot about taking time out to enjoy myself or even pausing to take in, and appreciate the beauty of life - so I hardly went out, I stopped blogging, was ill every six weeks, didn't go on holiday, didn't have much time for church, and I even saw people who had joined my company after I did get promoted and leave me behind. The result: fatigue, negativity, and uncertainty about life. Last week, I sat down with a notepad and pencil  and tried to take stock of special moments/ achievements of the year, and I was saddened when I couldn't think of any.

However, last night at church, I was messing around with my phone. and came across some notes I had typed into to it around 6 weeks ago. It went something like this:

What Have I achieved in 2012 ?

1. Maintained my position as a youth leader at church

2.Kept my job

3. Financially better off

4.  Successfully organised youth weekend at church

5.Kept my car

6. No accidents

7. Managed to stick to the two weeks prayer and fasting at church (which by the way I have never done!)

8. Distinction in my first semester at uni

9. Mum graduated (woop woop!)

There were a few more (but they are kind of personal!) Anyway I don't want to keep you for any longer, but I want to leave you with this: Congratulations to you if you managed to achieve your big dreams in 2012, and more grease to your elbow for 2013! If not, don't worry. I suggest you get a pen and paper, and think hard about every little thing, as insignificant as it might be, that you experienced, or  completed successfully, last year. For all the painful moments, congratulate yourself for getting through it, and think of one thing that moment may have taught you about yourself. You might also want to write down all the things you would like to do in 2013. Keep your list where you can see it everyday, and pray to God about it daily. Trust me, it will motivate you.

For me, one of my aims in 2013 is to concentrate more on J'adorePlusMore. (I will update you on the others in due time) As my readers, you certainly deserve more than sporadic posts every six months. Apart from beautiful style, I also hope to blog more about make up & beauty, mouth watering recipes, funny musings, and inspirational messages that will uplift you and have you loving yourself more.

Let's raise a glass to 2013!

Amusez Vous Bien!

Madeline

xx

Hang Ups.

It seems whether fat or thin, we all have one  problem or another with our bodies. Be it apple shaped, or pear shaped, busty or hour glass, there will always be the unsightly stretch marks we wish would fade away or the flabby arms we'd prefer would stay in place when we waved someone 'goodbye'.


In my early teens , I remember possessing an intense hatred for my body. Why were my boobs growing with such  a quickness? And if only I could snap my fingers and my thighs would be half their size. Being constantly compared with a cousin who was lighter in complexion, and had the soft, loosely curled afro didn't help either. (Yeah, remember those days when the lighter shade of black and the 'non-afro' afro hair were the only pre-requisites to being considered pretty?)


I guess the contemptuous way in which I viewed myself only started to change at around the age of 18. Coincidentally, that was around the time I met my first proper boyfriend. And I can say that as I'm approaching mid 20s, I do still have a few hang-ups (I mean, who doesn't?) but all in all, I'm  happy with myself, and have learn't to appreciate what I have.


So, what got me thinking about this issue? Well, it all stemmed from a conversation I had with a colleague about a week ago. She's a big girl, who seemingly always dragged a truck load of confidence everywhere with her. A talk over lunch however revealed that she wasn't too thrilled with her shape or size. And that any comment made  about her body would leave her wound up tight. Really sister? Even you? 


I guess the lesson to learn here is that even a Beyoncé look alike could think of something if she were asked what she would like to change about herself. It seems perfection can only be achieved in recognising that we will never be perfect.

Have a lovely week ladies and remember to embrace that jiggly belly, and those fat knees!


Amusez Vous Bien.


Madeline


 xx 

Helloooo! I'm back! Anybody there?

Um...I don't really know what to say...but sorry. Will that do? For those of you who have forgiven me, thank you. For those who haven't, please don't make me grovel.

It has been months. In fact, almost a year since we last made contact! A series of incidents + procrastination and general laziness + going back to uni and starting my masters, and being too busy for anything else kept me away. But I'm back y'all!

My return to blogsphere has got me thinking... there are plenty of fashion bloggers out there and I really wanted to do more than post pretty pictures of myself. Don't get me wrong, pictures are fun to look at, but I really want to make it relevant to you. So, without trying to sound too academic, we will be discussing a range of topics relating to fashion, beauty and body image as well as anything else you would like me to throw out there. So anything will be up for discussion. (And yes, the pics will still be posted!). And I will try and post around once a week. How does that sound? Do we have a deal?

Just before I sign off, let me leave you with a few pics  of my favourite outfits in the past couple of month

Dress - Dorothy Perkins

Belt - (Gift from a friend)

 Owl Necklace - Superdrug

Choker - Primark

Waistcoat - Evans

Trousers - New Look

Skirt - Primark

Shirt - Peacoks

Bangle - Topshop

Jacket - Primark

Amusez Vous Bien

Madeline

xx

Domzy in a Snapshot

Take a look at this picture.

Jeans: ASOS
Blazer: Talbots
Turban: Primark Scarf
Black Wedges: New Look
Wizard Glasses: Camden Market

It's of my good friend Domzy, and  was taken a couple of months ago by yours truly. We were in Camden, and I decided to mess around with my old camera phone. We had a lot of fun that day. We even stopped at one of the stalls to buy geeky glasses, (or Fay Bans, as I call them).

There are a number of reasons why I love this shot. Namely because, although she looks like she is posing, the beautiful Domzy was actually queuing up for the cash point. (I totally agree with you D, when you say you prefer the spontaneous to the contrived). Also, I remember her not being too enthusiastic about her outfit, but I love it!

Domzy is very good at creating chic and interesting outfits out of basic pieces. Her love for makeup and accessories always wakens up the dullest of clothes. Watch this space because I will be doing a full profile on her a bit later.

Have a lovely week ladies, and don't forget to capture life as it unfolds.

Amusez Vous Bien.

Madeline

xx

Digging Deep!

Have you come across a something in your wardrobe lately that you haven't seen in such a mighty long time, that you forgot you had it? 

Around a week ago, the glorious weather in London was a far cry from the damp, dark grey clouds and rain that has now decided to torment our summer months. I was on my way out, and thought I would set myself the challenge of wearing something I haven't worn  in a while.

I actually surprised myself and manged to create an outfit with a top I bought from Great Universal  when I was 18! According to my calculations, that makes almost six years since this one shoulder jersey top has been hibernating in my wardrobe.

Top - www.kandco.com (formerly Great Universal)
Jacket - Primark
Skirt - Peacocks

Creating new outfits from old clothes helps to save money and also exercises your creativity. This might have been the reason why I decided to wear these shoes instead of flip flops (which would have been the obvious choice for me)

Shoes - Primark

Bangles - Primark, Oasis

Ring - Evans

We all have old pieces that have been sleeping in the back of our closets. You may have even thought about getting rid of them. Ladies, this week why not set yourself the challenge and dig deep?

Amusez Vous Bien

Madeline

xx

Let it Glow!

Paying attention to what you put on (and in!) your body is important. And the steady stream of compliments I have received about my skin in the last few weeks is definite proof of this.

I wouldn't say that I suffered from bad skin. As a teenager, I had the odd annoying pimple which would take a defiant stance on the end of my nose, or on the middle of my forehead, but it wasn't anything life threatening. And in my twenties nothing much changed. However, I started to notice that although I didn't have spots, my skin was dull and actually felt rough.  

At the time, I was using St. Ives Apricot Scrub to exfoliate twice daily.There was nothing wrong with it, and it kept the pimples at bay, however I felt my skin needed more. So I decided to make some changes.

Before, I tell you about the products I switched to, I think it's important to tell you first that I have combination skin. This means I have an oily T-zone (which included my forehead, eyelids, and the bridge and the end of my nose),  while the rest of my face tends to feel dry and tight.

The first change I made was to ditch the fizzy drinks and juices for water. This was difficult for me as I have a sweet tooth and love sugary drinks. But a change had to come.

 I used to treat the natural stuff like I would bleach - great for cleaning the toilet and sink, but otherwise should not be touched. What a whole lot of good a change of mindset did for me. Do not underestimate the benefits of water guys. Drinking water will hydrate your skin, and make you look younger as it'll replenish skin tissues, moisturizes skin and increase its elasticity.

There was a time where I felt there was absolutely nothing wrong with smothering my face in cocoa butter. I ignored the advice of the beauty experts to use a lighter moisturiser, and saw it as a ploy to get me to spend more money. Why buy a separate moisturiser for my face, when I get just use the cocoa butter already sitting in my room right? WRONG!

I knew I needed to make changes when my skin started to look dull and greasy. I invested in Superdrug's Naturals Papaya and Mango Body Butter. As good as it is, I felt I needed a bit more moisture for this awkward UK weather. So I mixed it with Coconut oil. And ladies, this is what I feel is mostly responsible for my new glow. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturiser and also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections.

+

Finally I changed my exfoliator. I felt my skin had become accustomed to St. Ives, and it was no longer having an effect. Queen Helene Cocoa Butter Natural Facial Scrub can be bought from most hair shops, and generally costs around £3.00

I am not an expert when it comes to skin care. I just found what works for me, and wanted to share it with you. The important thing, I guess, is to know your skin, and most importantly to LET IT GLOW!

What products do you swear by? What works for you? Don't be afraid to share.

Amusez Vous Bien.

Madeline

xx